[TRAILCHARGER]

Hi I was wondering if everyone elses Ramcharger was the same as mine or is it just me.I have a 1977 Ramcharger and the steering has alot of play and the does not return to center on its own very well.I have replaced the steering shaft with a Flaming River shaft and I also replaced the steering box, tie rod ends and steering pump.I even performed a Sector Shaft adjustment.All these items and procedures helped but the steering wheel is still sloppy and the returnability bites.I was wondering if this is normal for these trucks and if everyone elses truck is like this.I love this truck but hate the steering and wish I could drive it without the white knuckles!
Thank you to all who read and respond to my question.I appreciate it.

 

[v737d]

I'll take a stab at this;

Please go and fill out your profile info so we know how old and where you are (helps othere help you in you time of need!)

You replaced the tie rods, but what about the center link and the idler arm? They have joints that can wear too.

I don't know about '77s but on my '87 there is a provision for adjusting the friction of the steering box. This can have an effect on how well (or bad) the wheels return to center, especially if it is set too tight. You need a FSM or someone who know mor about the 77 models.

You didn't define the type of play in the wheel, so have you checked the innards of the steering column? If it is a tilt it has a "u joint" (unlikely) and two rings of ball bearings (in plastic holders) that might go bad. On my '87 there were also four bolts that came loose inside the column that allowed the whole upper shaft housing to move up and down.

Good Luck

Chris

 

[Evildriver-3]

Ok 1st is this 2x or 4x i have no idea so until i know here is all your symptoms for your problem, since you changed everything other than the drag link check that, see if it's ok , then if not that maybe you need a wheel alignment 2x or 4x this can be a problem for steering, if not then ball joints (either or 2x or 4x), if not that how are your wheel bearings maybe your about to lose your wheels literally

 

[macario]

Depending on if this is a 2wd or 4wd?


How are your upper and lower control arm bushings?

Have you checked and/or replaced all hardware in the steering system?

Pitman arm?

Steering box bolted down tight?

 

[TRAILCHARGER]

The Ramcharger is a 1977 SE 4wd with a stock 440 engine.Dana 44 front axle.Not a 2wd truck so this rules out center link,Idler arm,Upper and lower control arms.The steering column is a non-tilt model.The drag link is not loose nor is the wheel bearings.The upper and lower ball joints are not loose but they are old.Basically when I am driving down the highway or any road I cant just hold the wheel straight on a straight road.I am constantly correcting the steering wheel to keep the truck going straight and when I take turns I have to help the steering wheel turn back to center.It seems there is excessive movement of the steering wheel before the wheels actually move but the front end is tight and the steering box,pump and shaft have been replaced with remans or new components.Is this normal?does your dodge drive like this?Is your steering tight and resonably responsive?.Thanks again for reading and responding to my question.I appreciate it.

 

[macario]

My 76 RC handles like it is on rails (for a RC), but it has taken me time, work and bucks to get it that way. Unfortunately I can't help you much because my RC is a 2WD. I am curious to see what others might post regarding your problem though. Good luck.

PS. How are your tires?

 

[v737d]

If the ball joints are old, replace them just on principle it may not help your steering problem altogether but it will make the truck more stable. Are you running oversize tires? If so you might need a steering stabilzer (shock), if they are real real wide they might be running in and out of the "troughs" in the road surface made by the tires of trucks and cars with normal width tires.

As a last (and I hope this isn't the case) but your frame might be cracked where the steering gear box bolts to it. You should have someone in the cab, turn the wheel while you watch to see if you have any deflection.

When you replaced the gear box, did you check the o-rings or at least put new ones in? Worn o-rings can have funny effects on your steering.

Check you alignment front and rear or have some one follow you to make sure you don't have a truck that drives down the road like a dog running with a bad hip.

I hope it is something cheap...

Cheers

Chris

 

[Evildriver-3]

Well going by what your explaining your describing a ball joint, or actually more than 1 bad ball joint, let me ask how did you check your ball joints?

If your steering box bracket is broke or the frame is cracked then usually what you feel is a good turn in 1 direction and considerable steering input to turn the opposite direction due to the box is able to move in that direction or deflect more.

When you hit a bump do you have to play with the wheel like you just came out of a turn at 120 mph and found a bump in the groove that wasn't there before and all it affected was the rear, also how are your bushings, but im leaning towards your ball joints or wheel bearings.

 

[KThaxton]

It kind of sounds to me like its the adjustment on your steering box. If you go too tight, it does't want to return, and stay, centered very well.

 

[mopar65pa]

Well one more thing to think about is do you have a lift?
If you have a lift and didn't put a steering block on you will get that everytime you hit a bump or get body roll.
I have an 80TD a 79RC and a 77RC and they all steer strait. But I have replaced all the front components and there is no lift on any of them.
I do agree with ED3 I would tand to say it's ball joints if you don't have a lift.

 

[TRAILCHARGER]

Thanks for all the ideas.No, the truck is not lifted and the frame is not broken and it isn't dog tracking down the road.But those were all great questions.I am leaning toward the ball joints.In fact I went out and ordered new Moog uppers and lowers.I guess they have an "Enhanced Design" ball joint for the Ole Dodges.I was also thinking about doing the bearings and bushings in the steering column but I can't find anyone who carrys any of the bearings e.t.c. for the old columns.Do any of ya know of any supplier of these kits/bearings for the steering columns?.
Again thanks guys for taking the time to reply.I know everyone is busy and all.
Your a great help.

 

[v737d]

When you get your new Moog ball joints look at the uppers (I'm not sure about the '77) and see if they are the screw in type. You will see very shallow thread on them, if so get the 3/4" drive socket to put these bad boys in. Trust me you want to spend the 20 bucks to get it! Harbor Frieght also sells an adapter so you can drive 3/4" sockets with your 1/2" drove. Or perhaps you have a friend with a 3/4" drive? Either way you will need a breaker bar and maybe a 2-3 foot length of pipe to twist those bad boys out and in!

As far as the steering column bearings go, try your local dealer, perhaps the web site of the manufacturer of the column (if you can find out or determine it) or...you can go get a copy of one of the MOPAR muscle car mags, they have ads where a few dealers advertise their inventory of "vintage" MOPAR bits. Sorry I can't be of more help, let us know how things work out after ball joints and wheel bearings etc...

Cheers

Chris

 

[TRAILCHARGER]

Thanks I will let you all know how it turns out.
Thanks again.

 

[theoldgoat]

On my 81 RC which has a 6" lift, dropped pitman arm and a raised steering block I still had a slight steering problem, road walk I called it, long story short after getting a friend to turn the steering wheel while I watched every thing it turned out to be the bolts holding the power steering unit to its bracket were tight but the bolts holding the bracket to the frame were very loose, a few minutes later they were tightened and the problem solved. Hope this helps someone out.

 

[macario]

Since we don't know if it is the tires, it most likely is a combination of small problems all coming together to create a larger problem. Another good suggestion to check old goat.

On my 81 RC which has a 6" lift, dropped pitman arm and a raised steering block I still had a slight steering problem, road walk I called it, long story short after getting a friend to turn the steering wheel while I watched every thing it turned out to be the bolts holding the power steering unit to its bracket were tight but the bolts holding the bracket to the frame were very loose, a few minutes later they were tightened and the problem solved. Hope this helps someone out.